Best Train Board Games of 2025: Top 10 Picks
All aboard the train of fun with these chugging marvels, it'll be a track-tastic ride through board game land!
All aboard! We’ve rounded up the best train-themed board games to keep your game nights rolling down the tracks. When picking games for this list, we focused on ones that bring the excitement of running railways, managing resources, and strategic gameplay to the table. We’ve tested these with our friends until someone inevitably yelled “choo-choo!” Whether you’re a seasoned rail tycoon or a newbie looking to hop on the train game bandwagon, you’re in for a thrilling ride. So, grab your conductor hat, and let’s explore these top picks that’ll have you riding the rails of fun and strategy!
On this list:
10 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is like the gateway game to the world of board gaming, and sometimes you just have to admit when a classic has got it all. We played it with newbies, and everyone loved racing to connect cities across the map. The train theme is great. It’s simple, yet competitive gameplay lets you block your friends and claim routes just in time. Perfect for family gatherings and sneaky game nights.
9 Railways of the World
We spent an entire evening with Railways of the World, and it was intense! If you want to feel like a real railway tycoon, get this. The game focuses on strategy and building your rail network, all wrapped up in a beautifully designed board that was a hit at our table. We loved the decisions it forced us to make.
8 Russian Railroads
Russian Railroads takes you through a dense strategy on rail development. This one made our brains work overtime! We enjoyed the strategic depth and the way it forces you to plan your moves carefully. If you want a heavy eurogame, this is your ticket.
7 Steam: Rails to Riches
Steam: Rails to Riches is for those who love economic strategy. We found competing over railroad routes thrilling, especially when the board started filling up and choices got tough. It’s not just about building, but managing resources and planning ahead, and we were all left wanting more.
6 Brass: Birmingham
Brass: Birmingham is a game of competing rail networks and economic development in the industrial revolution. Our game group enjoyed the strategic complexity of rail construction and resource management. It’s a train-themed game that requires thinking ahead and outsmarting friends!
5 Snowdonia
We loved building rail lines through snow-capped mountains in Snowdonia. It’s unique since the weather affects gameplay! It’s a great mix of worker placement and resource management in a beautiful setting. If you’re looking for a fresh twist on train games, this one delivers.
4 1899
Jumping into the world of heavy train games was never easier! 1899 brings players into the realm of stock markets and train route building. Our group found it challenging but super rewarding. It’s a test on economics and strategy, perfect for those who love number crunching.
3 Trains
Trains is deck-building meets train route building. Sounds odd? We thought so too, but its simplicity and strategy are delightful. It clicked with our group quickly. It’s a great choice for those familiar with deck builders and wanting a twist with a train theme.
2 Railroad Ink
Railroad Ink has a little bit of everything. We had a great time rolling dice and drawing rail networks. It’s simple, easy to learn, and yet it kept everyone engaged with its puzzle challenge. It’s perfect for families and a great filler game.
1 1830: Railways & Robber Barons
1830: Railways & Robber Barons is the granddaddy of train games. We were hooked by its deep strategy and brutal competition. It’s not just train routes but buying and selling stock, and it’s tense! It’s the best because it’s the ultimate train game experience. This is for those who want the real deal.
